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Beckham backing for Neville

David Beckham believes Roy Hodgson's decision to appoint Gary Neville as a member of his England coaching staff is a shrewd move.

Last Updated: 18/05/12 8:51pm

Gary Neville & David Beckham: The pair have been good friends since playing together for Manchester United

David Beckham believes Roy Hodgson's decision to appoint Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville as a member of his England coaching staff is a shrewd move.

Former Manchester United defender Neville has signed a four-year contract with the Football Association as England finalise preparations for Euro 2012.

And Beckham thinks the use of Neville, who was a team-mate for United and England and was also the now-LA Galaxy star's best man at his wedding, is a good decision.

Beckham, speaking in Athens where he has been part of London 2012's official delegation for the Olympic torch handover, joked: "Roy Hodgson is a brave man."

He then continued: "I think it's great. Gary has knowledge throughout the game.

Clever

"He's been in big tournaments, he's played for England for many years. It's a very clever thing but it's also great for the players and the manager.

"To have someone with his knowledge as well as Roy's knowledge, it's a very clever thing to do. I wish Gary the best of luck."

Neville holds Uefa A and B coaching licences and has made 85 England appearances, including featuring at the finals of five major international tournaments.

The 37-year-old has not held back in the past in stating his opinion about the problems of being in the England squad, and Beckham noted: "Gary's always been very vocal about many things.

"He's had the experience of being through tournaments and being disappointed in tournaments and knowing what he thinks have been the problems - that's why it's a clever move and great for the team.

Objective

"Let's hope we go out there and we're successful. It's a new team, young players.

"It's one of the first times we have gone into a big competition without huge, huge expectation on our shoulders - that could maybe be a good thing for the team."

Despite previous results, England will be aiming for success and former captain Beckham would love to see his country win Euro 2012.

He said: "I hope we can go all the way - that has obviously always been our main objective in every competition that we have gone in to. You do not go in to a competition thinking, 'let's see if we can make the quarters and see what happens'.

"You always go in thinking you can go all the way. Whether it happens, which obviously it has not happened in the last quite few years, that always remains the objective."